Clause 7 of ISO 9001:2026 DIS focuses on Support. Structurally, it remains similar to ISO 9001:2015, but refinements around knowledge, culture, documentation, and evidence are worth noting.

7.1 Resources

Clause 7.1 addresses resources, including infrastructure and the operational environment.

Notes now clarify that infrastructure examples apply to on-site, remote, and hybrid work environments, reflecting modern work models.

One note also removes rigid labels like “human” and “physical,” emphasizing practical relevance based on products and services. The environment is explicitly tied to quality culture and ethical behavior, linking Clause 7 back to leadership responsibilities in Clause 5.

7.1.5 Monitoring and Measuring Resources

The term “retained” is replaced with “available,” meaning information must be accessible and usable anytime, reducing audit ambiguity.

ISO clarifies traceability not only for equipment but also for measurement results. Calibration and verification requirements are explicitly stated, improving clarity.

7.1.6 Organizational Knowledge

This is one of the most relevant changes in Clause 7.

Organizational knowledge now aims to achieve the intended results of the QMS, rather than just product/service conformity.

Knowledge must be:

• Retained
• Applied
• Shared

This ensures compliance is system-wide, not dependent on individual memory (“tribal knowledge”).

Internal and external knowledge sources are combined into one note, including standards, research papers, conferences, activities, and tacit knowledge.

7.2 Competence

Evidence of competence now uses “available” instead of “retain.” Actions to acquire competence remain unchanged, but wording is clarified (e.g., “applicable” replaces “application”).

7.3 Awareness

Leadership influence is reinforced. Awareness now includes:

• Quality culture
• Ethical behavior

This ensures employees understand cultural and ethical expectations in addition to quality policy and objectives.

7.5 Documented Information

Changes focus on clarity:

• Subclause 7.5.2 explicitly mentions “documented information.”
• “Retained” replaced with “available” for accessibility and audit clarity.

Key Takeaways

Clause 7 did not introduce new requirement but did introduce some refinements, which help reduce grey areas and strengthen audit clarity.

In summary some of the changes include:

• “Retained” becomes “available.”
• Clearer traceability of measurement results.
• Recognition of hybrid work environments.
• Organizational knowledge linked to system results.
• Awareness connected to culture and ethics.
• Environment influenced by leadership tone.